Breechplug,

We're cool. Obviously, I really believe in the benefits of a stainless barrel. And I have a real life experience to back it up.

I think most people would like to have something impervious to corrosion. But as I said before, all metals oxidize (corrode) it is how they do that which determines their corrosion resistance. Corrosion is best defined as the "loss of metal". When one looks at a chrome bumper, he probably doesn't realize that the surface of the bumper is oxidized (corroded). That thin layer of oxidation though protects the chrome plating from further loss to the environment. When one looks at a nickel, he will notice that it is also oxidized with a thin layer which protects the metal underneath from further oxidation.

Iron on the other hand is totally different. It oxidizes and then flakes. The more it oxidizes, the more it corrodes away "like a cancer". The idea behind stainless is to give the alloy the oxidation properties of chromium and nickel such that a layer of oxidation protects the alloy from corrosion. When you shoot the rifle, you will strip this oxidation from the bore but it will be replaced by another thin layer. In any event, its how stainless oxidizes which gives it its corrosion resistant properties.

As for you testing I was serious about that. You seemed dissatisfied with my experience and I am suggesting that you test it yourself. And try it on a carbon steel barrel also. I am quite sure that when you have the "proof" right in front of you it will be clear what the difference is.